Eulogizing about Bentley's new 'S'-series cars, introduced in April 1955, The Autocar wrote, "the latest Bentley model offers a degree of safety, comfort and performance that is beyond the experience and perhaps even the imagination of the majority of the world's motorists." Later, in October that same year, the Bentley Continental became available on the 'S' chassis, the model having been synonymous with effortless high speed cruising in the grand manner since its introduction in R-Type form in 1952.

Rolls-Royce had envisaged the Bentley Continental as exclusively a two-door car, but late in 1957 the decision was taken to sanction the production of a four-door variation by H J Mulliner. Introduced on the S1 Continental and known as the 'Flying Spur', this design was a collaborative effort by Rolls-Royce's in-house styling department and H J Mulliner, and bore a strong resemblance both to the two-door Continental and to existing coachbuilt four-door styles on Rolls-Royce and (non-Continental) Bentley chassis. To the Continental's existing qualities of pace and elegance, the Flying Spur added four-door practicality, a more spacious interior and generously proportioned boot. The Flying Spur body style continued on the V8-engined S2 Continental and was revised to incorporate the S3's four-headlamp front end following the latter's introduction in 1962.

One of the final S2s built and clothed in design no. 7508's 4-door and 6-light 'Flying Spur' bodywork, BC91CZ was ordered new by John A. Day, Esq, the High Sheriff of Devon in 1949, and delivered on March 29th, 1962 via Jack Barclay's dealership. Originally ordered in Caribbean Blue with Off White upholstery, special requests were made for the seat belts (ordered as optional three-point belts up front) to be color-dyed to match the seats and for an inflatable lumbar support to be fitted in the driver seat. Additionally, the option boxes for power windows and radio aerial were also ticked.

Fitted with a full length Webasto sunroof for open air motoring and repainted burgundy, BCD91CZ has been part of the Kanter Collection since 1973. Modified with a 4-headlight front end and an S3 badge, it is one of only 114 Bentley S2s built with Flying Spur design 7508. This Bentley was the ultimate saloon of its day, promising sporting performance when on mountain roads and superior waftability when ambling about town. Bentley has even further immortalized it by rekindling the Continental Flying Spur name and style with its best selling sedan. All it takes to buy a new Flying Spur is a check, but opportunities to buy the original are few and far betweenand not to be missed.

Saleroom notices

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.

Buyers' Obligations

ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.

If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.

Buyers' Premium and Charges

Buyer's Premium Rates25% on the first $100,000 of the Hammer Price20% from $100,001 to $2,000,000 of the Hammer Price12% on the excess over $2,000,000 of the Hammer Price

Collection Notices

COLLECTION, REMOVAL, TRANSPORT & SHIPPING OF LOTS

Lots must be paid for and collected from the sale venue by 12pm Tuesday October 9. Lots are at the buyer's risk from the fall of the hammer. It is strongly advised that overseas purchasers and absentee bidders make arrangements regarding collection with Bonhams in advance of the sale.

Bonhams will be accepting payment directly after the auction on Monday evening and between 8.30am and 12pm on Tuesday October 9. Please note that we will close promptly at 12pm; therefore any payment and collection appointments begin no later than 11.30am on Tuesday October 9.

Representatives of Bonhams' preferred carriers will be present at the sale and can arrange transportation as agents for the buyer or the seller as the case may be.

You may have an authorized agent collect your purchases as long as they are removed from the auction site by 12pm Tuesday October 9.

If Bonhams does not receive motor vehicle collection details from the buyer by 12pm on Tuesday October 9, Passport Auto Transport will automatically collect and store the purchased lot(s). Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to standard rates and the ultimate destination of the vehicle. Bonhams urges buyers to inquire in advance. Please notify us of your collection plans upon payment.

It is the responsibility of the buyer to separately inform their shipper of the location of the property, its collection and forwarding, the costs of which will be paid for by the buyer after the applicable uplift and storage charges have been paid.

Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, title documents and keys relating to their lot(s) at time of collection.

For the Automobilia Uncollected Lots, Moving and Storage:Uncollected automobilia lots will be removed to Navis Pack & Ship for shipment or for collection by the buyer or third party agent. Instructions for collection from Navis Pack & Ship will be given to buyers at the time of payment. A representative from Navis will be available to assist clients with shipping quotes via phone and email. Navis contact information:Peter Michaelson, Owner+1 (610) 534 0750 orpa1104@goNavis.com

Please note that uncollected automobilia lots that are removed to Navis for storage or shipping are subject to uplift charges applied according to the size and fragility of a lot or lots. Lots are also subject to storage fees. Buyers are responsible for all such charges and fees.

From Thursday October 4 to 12pm Tuesday October 9, we can be reached at either: +1 (212) 461 6514+1 (212) 644 9007 fax or

+1 (215) 492 2800+1 (215) 492 2801 fax

Payment Notices

Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit, charge or debit card. A processing fee will be assessed on any returned checks. Please note that the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited.

Shipping Notices

For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.